The Heart of Faith Journey

Welcome to The Heart of Faith Journey blog site. My name is Candace Williams, and I’m excited to share my journey of faith with you. Living in a small town just outside Atlanta, Georgia, with my husband and our two-year-old daughter, I’ve experienced the highs and lows of life that have shaped who I am today. I was born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in Jonesboro, Georgia, by my mother and father, along with my two older brothers, where my curiosity about life and faith took root. In this post, I’d like to take you through my personal story, from childhood questions to finding a deep relationship with God. I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can encourage you on your own journey of faith.

My faith journey began when I was a child, full of wonder and questions about life. I would often ask my parents profound questions, like where trees came from, how the oceans formed, and the essence of our existence. My mother, Sabrina, always raised us with a strong emphasis on the name of Jesus Christ. Whenever my brothers and I got into trouble or told a lie, she would tell us, “You need to repent to God for that” and that He was always watching. Although we didn’t attend church or fellowship with other believers, our household was grounded in being God-fearing.

At the age of seven, I started going to church with my best friend and her family, which introduced me to the Bible and worship. When I was 12, my brothers faced serious legal issues, and that moment marked the end of my childhood. It was my first heartbreak. Despite his mistakes, my brother Marcus found Jesus during his first year of being incarcerated, and I am incredibly proud of him; 20 years later, his faith remains steadfast despite his circumstances. I will explain further how Marcus plays a tremendous part in my journey leading me to Christ.

Tragically, just three days after I turned 20 in 2014, my mother, Sabrina, passed away from a gallbladder rupture. Losing my brothers to the legal system was painful, but losing my mother was the hardest blow I’ve ever experienced in my life. When that happened, I struggled to find purpose in life and felt so lost and hurt. If you’ve ever lost someone dear to you, whether it’s a parent or a child, you can surely relate to the profound pain that comes with it.

In 2016, my brother Marcus called me often, praying for me and continually mentioning the name Jesus. This sparked my curiosity; I wondered how he could have so much peace in his heart, even after losing our mother while being incarcerated. I realized that I needed a relationship with God and wanted what he had. I knew I was missing something. When I asked him how to find that relationship, he confirmed my desire and guided me through a prayer: “Lord, please forgive me of all my sins. I acknowledge and believe Jesus is the Son of God, and from this moment on, I profess Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, asking Him to come into my life and heart.” I repeated those words, and while I was excited to see what was next for me, I didn’t feel an immediate change.

About six months later, my feelings of hurt, anger, and confusion peaked, leading to a season of depression. Honestly, I felt completely broken and empty. The people I cherished so much were no longer in my life, leaving me feeling so alone. I remember sitting on my bed, tears flowing as I cried out to God, “If You’re real, please show me.” I needed Him. I was desperate for Him. I stayed in that place, holding on until I could feel the Lord speaking to my spirit. I was determined not to leave that room until I had my first encounter with Him. In that moment, I was comforted and reassured, welcomed by the spirit of Jesus Christ. That was the turning point in my life; I no longer questioned God’s reality.

As months passed, I noticed changes in myself. Activities I once enjoyed, like partying and unhealthy relationships, fell away naturally, replaced by a desire to read the Bible, pray, and seek more experiences with God. Soon after, I was invited to the Church of the Living God in Christ Jesus in Hiram, Georgia, where I was nourished by God’s Word. That’s also where I met my husband, Adrian, whom I’ve been married to for four wonderful years, and together we share a beautiful daughter named Abrielle. They are my greatest blessings and gifts from God that have brought redemption to my past hurt and pain.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share a part of my story and the beginnings of my faith journey. While this isn’t the entire story, it marks the start of my path. As I look back on my life and the incredible ways my faith has transformed me, I’m filled with gratitude. Each twist and turn of this journey has shaped who I am today and deepened my relationship with God. I hope my experiences resonate with you and inspire you to reflect on your own journey. Remember, you’re not alone in this walk of faith—let’s support each other as we continue to grow. I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories, so please feel free to share in the comments. Here’s to continuing our journey together!

Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.